They're too slow, too small or not tough enough. They're the weak link on an otherwise top-flight team with a first-class offense.

But on Thursday night against in-town rival Glencoe at Hare Field, the Jaguars defense proved the doubters wrong. Century's defense allowed just three offensive touchdowns, and even got into the end zone, to lead the seventh-ranked Jaguars to a 50-28 victory in a matchup of teams that were tied for second place in the Pacific Conference.

"Our defense has been criticized a lot, some deserved," Century head coach Bill Smith said. "But we have some great kids who work hard, and they played well tonight. They did a good job."

With the game tied 14-14 at halftime, the Century (6-1 overall, 4-1 conference) defense, which came into the game having allowed more than 31 points per game, didn't allow an offensive touchdown until the Crimson Tide's final possession when victory was assured. The Jaguars recovered a Glencoe (5-2, 3-2) fumble and got a 37-yard interception return for a touchdown from senior lineman Sam Devedjian.

Century held Glencoe to 287 yards of offense and forced three total turnovers for the game. The Crimson Tide converted first downs just twice on 13 third down attempts.

"Our defense, people think it's the weak point of our team," said Devedjian, who has two interception returns for touchdowns this year and three interceptions overall. "No, we stepped up today and did great."

And with Glencoe locked up offensively, Century's high-flying offense, which averages a Class 6A-best 52 points per game, did its thing.

Senior quarterback Sam Riddle had three touchdown passes in the second half and four for the game, including one rushing touchdown. Riddle finished with 292 yards on 12 of 28 passing with one interception. He hooked up with senior receiver Vance Hamilton, who had five catches for 119 yards, on touchdown passes of 40 and 11 yards.

"It was huge, going against Glencoe, our cross-town rival," Riddle said. "They came out good, and we came out strong, too. And I think it came down to who wanted it more."

Riddle set the tone for the second half with a 40-yard touchdown pass to Hamilton on the first play from scrimmage. Jose Wise set Century up with good field position on a 50-yard kickoff return.

After a Glencoe punt, Riddle tossed a perfectly placed 7-yard touchdown pass to the back corner of the end zone that Xavier Mitchell collected on a leaping reception to put Century up 28-14 with 7:48 left in the third quarter.

"I think tonight kind of sets the tone for Century, and I think it was really a good win," Riddle said.

Glencoe made things interesting when linebacker Ryan Spaulding recovered a Riddle fumble and returned it 74 yards for a touchdown to cut the Century lead to 28-22 with 3:12 left in the third quarter.

But Riddle hit Hamilton for anther touchdown, and Devedjian intercepted Glencoe quarterback Avery Elrod to put the Jaguars ahead 50-22 with four minutes left in the game.

"They've really come a long way," Riddle said of Century's defense. "I'm just so proud of them. ... It's just a great thing to see, especially against Glencoe. I think over the past few weeks they've just taken it personally. And before the game coach called them out and said, 'No one thinks you can do it.' They sure did it."

Crimson Tide head coach Steve Jones said Riddle is the best quarterback he's seen in his coaching career.

"He's got all the tools," Jones said.

Glencoe scored the game's final points on a 3-yard Spaulding touchdown run.

Century faces another big game when it plays host Friday to Tualatin, also 4-1 in conference play after beating McMinnville on Thursday.

"We're in good position," Smith said. "We need to build from this to compete against a team like Tualatin."Glencoe plays next at McMinnville, a matchup between teams with 3-2 conference records. Jones said there were a number of lessons learned in the second half that his team will take into this week of preparation for another crucial game.

"We haven't played too many teams as quality as Century," Jones said. "But there's always room for improvement, and we'll need to improve this week with another big game coming up."